Couch to 5k...it's not about speed (thread no 2)

I found it quite a leap, but just do as much as you can, if you have to walk some of it, there's always the next one, and you'll do more then.

Am I righ to be scared of my first W2 run tomorrow. How much of a step up is it?

Another newbie joining in if I may please.

I've tried (and failed) at C25k so many times before but this time feels different. This time I want to go out each time. And I'm enjoying it. I'm enjoying it most when it gets to the end of the run and I can tick another dash off.

W2R3 for me tomorrow. The forecast is wet but I'm not even going to let that put me off this time. I need to do this. I need to be fitter and stronger. I need to get some weight off. I didn't manage it before I hit 40 (user name was optimistic obviously) but I'm damn sure I'm going to do it now I am 40!!

Well done to all who have done so well so far. You are inspirational to those of us who are at the beginning of the journey.

Summer I tend to run in the evenings from home after the kids are in bed.
Winter I started running from work at lunch time - we have showers at work, but I won't run if I have an afternoon meeting, 'cause I look like a beetroot for the rest of the day. I also ran at the weekend. So maybe 1-2 from work, and one at the weekend. I had a long sleeved top, and thermal running trousers. I wore gloves once, but got really hot when running, so just stayed cooler than I'd have preferred for the first 5 mins!

A group of us girls also got a personal alarm for running. The blokes at work just laughed!

But on a plus I am wearing my size 16 shorts today. I was size 20 in december (although I wasn't wearing shorts).

I would love to be size 14 by Christmas. A comfortable size 14 jeans. But I haven't been size 14 in over 13 years since before DC. Pribably closer to 20 years.

I'm in different minds about running in winter.

its got to be a whole lot better than running in this heat.
I ran in the dark/dusk about 10 days ago. Part of my route (only about 500m) takes me through an undergrowthy unlit area. Its amazing how far or how fast you can run when you are scared shitless of someone jumping out being attacked by bushes and nettles you can't see.

But I'm a scaredy cat and don't like the dark.

I'm luck though. I do have a treadmill in the garage although I find it boring and too 'easy' to decide I'm knackered and need to stop because I can stop the machine and I'm already home. If I'm out on the road and 2km away might as well run as much of the way back as I can cos it's slightly quicker than walking.

Im going to attempt W2R1 tomorrow. Or at least thats the plan. Its the first day of DPs leave and he's taking me out for a meal so we'll see....

I'm a scaredy cat though - I'm not keen on running in the dark, not because I won't be visible (I'd get reflective strips / one of those velcro cycling lights etc.), but because other people won't be visible to me .

If you are outside a city, get one of those reflective strips that cyclists use.

Buy yourselves some reflective clothes for winter. Long sleeved tops and long running tights. My brother said that we won't need a jacket even in winter.

Things I have learned today:
Go for a wee before you go for a run .

Well done lovelidl , I think you've earned your takeaway and wine.

I was wondering about winter earlier - I don't immediately feel keen to run outside when it's dark - I'm interested to hear everyone else's thoughts on this. I'm leaning toward a couple of daylight outdoor runs, and the rest in the gym during winter.

Everyone is doing great!

28mins 42 secs for me tonight Going to waste it all now with Chinese and .

No more running until fun run on Sunday, when I entered 9 weeks ago I didn't actually think I would make it and here I am. Don't suppose anyone else is running in Glasgow on Sunday? (Jog Scotland that is, not Commonwealth Games!)

Was thinking tonight, what do we do in the winter? Run in the dark, ice and snow?!? Or get fat and wobbly again?

Oh, wow, you're all doing so well . It's really motivational to read about it.

I'm going to do W1R3 tonight. I'm going to push myself a little bit harder this time .

Did w5r3 today. Never, ever thought I'd get this far. Every week and every run I think I can't ever do it, but I do. So for all those others like me who worry it can't be done, I'm still doing it and believe me if I can ( very overweight, very unfit ) anyone can !!

Thanks. It's so good knowing you're all out there. It spurs me on.
Good luck Chameleon. You will do it, it is achievable!

Woohoo! w3R2 completed. I am bright red and sweaty but I feel amazing.

Yay, well done Moleyjay. I'm stressing about that - due to do it on Sunday.

Dotty, you've come such a long way I'm sure you'll slot right back into it when you get back home. So in the mean time, enjoy the camping and the wine!!

Molejay, well done!! Such a big hurdle to overcome. Good work to everyone else who has been running today.

I feel a little bit silly. I went running with a marathon-running friend earlier and just couldn't get into a rhythm and kept having to take walking breaks, way more often than I have done for ages in my running. I'm cross with myself because I knew we were going much faster than I normally do and that's why I couldn't pace myself properly, but I feel a bit embarrassed about how hard I was finding it in comparison to my friend .

You'll be fine when you get back Dotty I think it actually helps when you realise how rubbish you feel when you go back to eating crap, that you want to avoid it. I also think a week off running sometimes helps as it gives your joints and muscles time to repair and I bet your first run back on it will be great.

Forgive me C25K-ers for I have sinned (and will continue to sin until Saturday...). Am camping in Glasgow at the moment and have reverted to eating crap and drinking red wine in the evenings just to get through it all...

Feeling suddenly very unfit and crap - have stopped drinking water due to not wanting to wee every 5 minutes in the portaloos...!

Sigh. Tell me it will all be OK when I get back. Am struggling with not being in my new and improved routine!

these are the ones I was on about. I don't do the lying down ones, or the IBT.

Edwinias I would do the hamstrings straight from the hip flexor. After the first stretch, shift your weight onto your back leg, and straighten your front knee. Lean forwards slightly if you need to to get the stretch. Then I switch front leg, and do hip and hamstrings on the other side. Does that help at all?

Feeling proud of myself and I know you'll be pleased for me... I've just done week 5 run 3 ( 20mins no walk) whoop whoop! Didn't think I'd do it but you know what? It wasn't that bad!

Thanks Edwinias, I'll check them out later.

W1R2 done

3.3km covered.

I feel I could do a longer session but I'm ready to stop running at the end of the 60secs tho.